How the Nikkah Certificate Came About

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many aspects of life, and weddings were no exception. My husband and I were married during lockdown when gatherings were limited to just 30 guests – a stark contrast to the large, vibrant Asian weddings we had always envisioned. But I wanted our intimate Nikkah ceremony to feel just as special and meaningful. That’s when the idea of creating a personalised Nikkah certificate was born.

With so many aspects of a traditional wedding missing – the large guest list, the grand venue, and the elaborate decor – I wanted to commemorate our union in a way that felt personal and significant. I used my design skills to create a beautifully crafted Nikkah certificate, adding intricate details that reflected our love story and faith. It became a focal point of our small ceremony, something that made our wedding feel more like a celebration, even with the limitations.

After our wedding, I posted a picture of the Nikkah certificate on Instagram, and the response was overwhelming. Friends, family, and even strangers from the Muslim community reached out, asking if I could design a Nikkah certificate for their special day. That’s when I realised I wasn’t the only one looking for a way to make a smaller wedding feel more significant. Many couples had scaled-down weddings during the pandemic, and they wanted something unique to remember their day.

Soon after, I decided to take the plunge and put my Nikkah certificate designs up for sale on Etsy. To my surprise, I sold over 400 certificates in the first year! The feedback was incredible. People loved having a tangible, personalised keepsake from their Nikkah, something they could frame and display in their homes. It turned into a way for couples to celebrate their love and faith, even if the wedding looked different from what they had originally planned.

Now, offering bespoke Nikkah certificates has become a core part of our business. Each design is tailored to the couple, with beautiful calligraphy, meaningful symbols, and custom colours. What started as a way to enhance our own lockdown wedding has grown into a way to help other couples across the world celebrate their Nikkah in a unique and personal way.

This journey taught me that even in the most challenging times, creativity and connection can flourish. Our Nikkah certificate brought joy to our small ceremony, and now it brings joy to couples everywhere. If you're planning a wedding or Nikkah, consider adding a personalised certificate to make your day even more memorable.